Brent Calloway: 8 Reasons the Recruit Switched Back to the Alabama Crimson Tide

First he committed to Alabama, and then during the Army All-American game, he switched to Auburn. After that, Brent Calloway told everyone he would not be switching and that he was solid with the Tigers.

Then, on National Signing Day, Calloway signed with Alabama.

As his recruitment went back and forth between the Iron Bowl schools, Calloway was regarded as one of the best recruits in the country. He looks like a future cornerstone player for the Tide, and Tuscaloosa is happy he's headed there.

But why did he switch back to Alabama from Auburn? I've got eight possible reasons why.

8. Local Pressure

Russellville, Alabama is a pro-Crimson Tide type of of community located in northwest Alabama, not too far from Tuscaloosa. When their chosen star high school football player pledged to Alabama, the community was overcome with joy and support for Calloway.

But when he opted to switch to Auburn, Calloway began getting threats and ill wishes. He told Rivals that he heard threats, wishes ranging from him breaking his leg to other horrific things. The local pressure became a bit much, and maybe Calloway just wanted to make his community happy again.

Rick Pitino, the Louisville basketball coach, has said that in college sports the two fanbases that are the most over the top are Kentucky basketball fans and Alabama football fans. This serves half of his theory to be correct.

7. Warmed Up to Playing Linebacker

The talk around Calloway's de-committment from 'Bama and shocking commitment to Auburn was that the Tigers told Calloway he would be allowed to open up his career as a running back. Calloway was a 1,000-yard rusher in high school and has the skill set to be a good college running back.

Alabama wanted him as a defensive player, preferably a linebacker, and Calloway only was used on defense in a limited role for much of his senior season in Russellville. Thus, he felt running back was the position he should play in college.

Calloway could have realized he has such a high ceiling as a defender that Alabama was indeed the right choice after all...but that leads to our next reason...

6. Could Calloway Tote the Rock in Tuscaloosa?

Calloway has mentioned that the Tide coaches have told him that running back is not completely out of the question. He maintains that he could play running back for Alabama, and the coaching staff will put him at the position they think is best for the team.

Running for a traditional power like the Tide recently has gotten you a Heisman Trophy and a national championship ring (Mark Ingram), and even your sidekick (Trent Richardson) is an NFL prospect. The thought of this possibility alone could have sold Calloway to come back to the Tide.

Also, it's March now—could Calloway use these next months to sell himself as a running back to Nick Saban and Co. to have it as his permanent spot? It's possible.

5. Sanctions Coming for Auburn?

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - JANUARY 11: Head coach Gene Chizik of the Auburn Tigers poses with the Coaches trophys during a press conference for the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn on January 11, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

No, this is not stemming from the recent HBO reports by a couple of Auburn players claiming they were paid by boosters. This is more from the Cam Newton investigation.

Yes, I know right now Newton has been cleared of any wrongdoing and there's not much sizzling on that front, but the investigation is still ongoing. Plus, who's to say that the NCAA doesn't tie the Newton case with the new allegations into their investigation?

Auburn could—key word, could—find itself laced with some sanctions in the not too distant future. Calloway could have realized this and bolted back for Alabama.

4. Saban = NFL

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Alabama Crimson Tide Head Coach Nick Saban stands on the sideline during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty I

I've said this before, and I'll say it again: If I'm an AD that needs to hire a college football coach, the very first call I make is to Nick Saban to see if he's interested. I think Saban is that good.

From being a top recruiter, evaluator of talent, a great X's and O's coach and on-field teacher to knowing how to lead and run a program, Saban is the best and one of the best to ever do it.

He also has experience and contacts in the NFL—which is why the Alabama program is run like a NFL franchise with Saban. He runs a 3-4 defense that makes players think all the time. This is really valued by NFL teams, as they like the fact Alabama players generally come into the league a bit more "ready" than some other programs' players.

Calloway, like most players, wants to play in the NFL. He knows playing for Saban will get him plenty of pro looks.

3. McClain, Hightower, Upshaw, Johnson and Even Mark Barron

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Mark Barron #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Looking at some of the top second-level type of defenders the Tide have had over the past few years includes Rolando McClain, Courtney Upshaw, Nico Johnson, Dont'a Hightower and Mark Barron.

McClain was a top 10 pick to the Raiders last year, and soon enough Johnson, Upshaw, Barron and Hightower will be paid to hit people too. With Johnson, Upshaw and Hightower, Calloway could have envisioned himself learning the ropes from them and reaching their level of success, thus choosing to switch back to Alabama.

But I think Calloway has a chance to be a Mark Barron-type of strong safety. He's got similar size to Barron at 6'1", 210 pounds, and Calloway is very instinctive in the box. Barron could have left school early for the draft but chose to stay. He is one of the top defenders in the country, and Calloway could fill his role one day.

2. Tigers Taking a Step Back, Tide Rolling in 2011

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 06: Coach Gene Chizik of the Auburn Tigers watches play against the Chattanooga Mocs November 6, 2010 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

I think Auburn has a chance to compete for SEC titles for a good while, as it has had two very, very good recruiting classes under Gene Chizik. However, the Tigers, and more notably the defending champs, will be young in 2011, so a step back will likely happen.

Alabama, on the other hand, is among the favorites not only for the SEC West or even the SEC conference title—the Tide are poised for a national championship run. Calloway knows this just like we all do.

I can see a case where Calloway can come in as a true freshman and see time immediately on special teams and help contribute to the Tide's title run in that fashion, thus earning him a letter and ring in his first year in Tuscaloosa.

1. Followed His Heart

Even when Calloway switched to Auburn and I snooped around and got some feedback as to why it happened, I always got the feeling he could maybe switch back to Alabama. It was like a boyfriend and girlfriend having their first fight, and one says, "It's over" before actually trying working it out.

After things settled down, Calloway started having second thoughts as the residue from the reported disagreement with Alabama subsided. His heart started coming back into play and led him to realize again that Alabama was where his heart was.

That's why Calloway is now a member of the Crimson Tide family.